MRT, LRT, PNR operations suspended after Luzon quake

MANILA -- The railway systems in Metro Manila have suspended their operations following a quake that hit Luzon Monday afternoon.

"Upon NDRRMC's advice at around 5:42 p.m. to not resume operations, instructions were relayed to LRT-1, LRT-2, and MRT-3 not to resume operations until further notice," DOTr Assistant Secretary for Communications Goddess Hope Libiran said in a text message to reporters.

"Preliminary guidance from NDRRMC is not to resume operations until after a 5-hour observation period based on the risk of aftershocks, based on a similar earthquake in Indonesia," she added.

The DOTr official further stated that all railway lines of the LRT and MRT have stopped their operations with all passengers unloaded.

In its advisory, the MRT-3 management said it has suspended operations effective 5:12 p.m. Monday to assess the status of its structures following the earthquake.

"Our teams are on site to assess all facilities and systems for the effects of the earthquake," the MRT advisory read.

For its part, LRT-1 operator Light Rail Manila Corporation announced that it is temporarily suspending operations in the whole railway line from Roosevelt to Baclaran.

The Light Rail Transit Authority likewise advised passengers that the operations of the LRT-2 will no longer resume tonight to conduct a thorough inspection to ensure the integrity of its structures and systems.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Railways (PNR) has suspended its operations effective at 5:20 p.m.

"We sent scout trains to check tracks, bridges, and structures. We may resume service if tracks are recertified tonight," PNR General Manager Junn Magno said in a text message to the Philippine News Agency.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority has dispatched buses to offer free rides to commuters affected by the suspension of the operations of the LRT and MRT due to the earthquake.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported that a magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck parts of Luzon at around 5:11 p.m. with its epicenter located at 2 kilometers northeast of Castillejos, Zambales. (PNA)

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